Turkey Chili
Lean ground turkey simmered with peppers, onion, garlic, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and cumin until thick and hearty.
Turkey Chili is warm, filling, and lighter than classic beef chili while still tasting rich and comforting. Aromatics build the base before the remaining ingredients simmer to tenderness.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cans beans, drained
- 1 cup broth
Substitutions
- Lean ground chicken can replace ground turkey; keep the mixture cold and cook it to 165°F.
- For Turkey Chili, exchange seasonal vegetables only for ones with similar density, cutting firmer choices smaller.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened
Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
Step 2: Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains and it reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth
Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth.

Step 5: Simmer until thick and flavorful, then serve with toppings
Simmer until thick and flavorful, then serve with toppings.


How to Store Leftovers
Cool Turkey Chili in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep cheese, sour cream, avocado, and other fresh toppings separate.
How to Reheat
Warm Turkey Chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it is too thick. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.
What to Serve With It
- Cornbread
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado and green onions
- A crisp salad
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the tomatoes and broth before the turkey is fully browned, which can leave large pale crumbles and reduce the chili’s depth of flavor.
- Adding all the salt before the chili reduces, which can leave the finished pot overly salty.
- Simmering too aggressively or for too long, which can dry out the turkey, break down the beans, and make the chili thicker than intended.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the turkey is cooked?
Cook the ground turkey until no pink remains and it reaches 165°F before adding the tomatoes, beans, and broth.
Can Turkey Chili be frozen?
Yes. Cool it completely, freeze in portion-size containers for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can ground chicken replace turkey?
Yes. Use the same amount and cook it to 165°F; the flavor will be slightly milder.
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